Always held the last weekend of September at the Nepean Sportsplex, the show fills to capacity with more than 60 dealers and exhibitors. They show minerals, fossils, gemstones, as well as jewelry, crystals, beads, carvings and more.

In addition to dealers, the show also features demonstrations, seminars and informal gemstone evaluations.

I kid you not, the lineup this morning was out the door – women (and men) scrambling for fairly priced one-of-a-kind jewelry, rock collectors like me, and of course, kids who were fascinated by the science and sparkle of it all.

Check it out:

Minerals at the Ottawa Gem and Mineral Show

A closer look at the minerals

I was actually surprised by how many people filled the venue this year. I thought this show was my little secret, but I often forget it isn’t just about the minerals — it’s a beautiful jewelry showcase.

a little over ten years ago, I discovered the Ottawa Lapsmith and Mineral Club. I picked a piece of rock, was shown to the machines, and shown how to ‘cut a cab’. It was mahogany obsidian. At the end of the day, I look at it and went ‘wow! I made that!’ From then on I was hooked. I was in the workshop as often as I could be, sometimes even taking time off work to go in. Now I have a machine at home, but still go into the workshop regularly. Jessey and Chris, maybe you could consider joining the club? At least come down and see what we have to offer at the workshop. Jessey, you will find LOTS of friends who understand you! Thanks for the article

Jessey,
Thanks for this article, and the beautiful pictures. LOVE them! I’m one of the admins of OLMC’s facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/OttawaLapsmithMineralClub) and yes we are on facebook now! Join us and keep in touch, our next show is coming up in Sept :)
Vema